In The World... Not Of It

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2

Saturday, February 12, 2011

For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. ~ 1 Corinthians 3:11-15

This is such a challenging verse.

Summary: One day all of the saints will stand before the judgement seat of Christ and be judged according to their deeds. Everything we ever said or did will become manifest on that day, including our motives behind them. Each deed will be tested with fire. Some of them will be burned up (the wood, hay, and straw) while others will endure (gold, silver, and precious stones). On that day we will receive rewards for all those deeds which remained through the fire.

My thoughts: In today's day and age we are told that we just simply have to be saved (allow Christ to build the foundation mentioned in the passage above). However, rarely are we challenged to continue to build upon that foundation. Rarely are we challenged to live a life of true abandon for Jesus.

I like the way Mike Bickle said it in a couple of His sermons:

"If you live what is commonly understood by the western church as a life of dedication, and that is the only thing you do, you will have this spoken over you when you stand before Jesus: 'You are saved, but your life was a waste.'"

I can think of absolutely nothing more heartbreaking that to stand before Jesus knowing that the life He gave me was completely wasted! I long for nothing more than to know that my life was pleasing before Him... to stand before Him and hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

The cry of my heart is that God will judge me and convict me severely now so that I will stand before Him on that day unashamed. I strive not to merely "squeak by", but to daily ask myself, "How far can I go in my abandonment to Christ? What is the very most I can do out of love for Him?"

Sunday, December 5, 2010

"...Lord, I am not very eloquent, either in the past or since You have spoken to Your servant, but I am slow in speech and tongue." (Exodus 4:10)

I can't tell you how often I have felt the way Moses did in that moment! The Lord has called me to be a teacher, but anyone who knows me in person knows that I am not the most talkative and eloquent speaker in the world. For awhile I wondered why the Lord would make me so weak in the area He said He would use me in. Now I know... :)

He told me that He is not looking for someone of eloquence or of necessarily great talent - He is looking for someone who is willing and obedient. He told me to be obedient and follow Him; to trust Him. Yes, I am weak and on my own can accomplish nothing. However, through Him, I can do anything He calls me to do. If I abide in Him, He will speak through me and it will not be me speaking, it will be Him! His strength is made perfect in my weakness.

If I was strong on my own might, I might not acknowledge the need for His strength and therefore fall to pride and end up accomplishing nothing. Now I realize the blessing in having weaknesses. He is so good!

"Who has made man's mouth? ...I will be your mouth and teach you what you shall speak." ~ Exodus 4:12

Monday, October 4, 2010

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." ~Psalm 19:1

How beautiful would it be if every child of the Lord displayed their love for Him the same way as the skies? Just imagine the glorious beauty that would blaze across the earth if even a handful of His sons and daughters testified as unashamedly as the heavens?

For as long as I shall liveI will testify to loveI'll be a witness in the silenceswhen words are not enoughWith every breath I takeI will give thanks to God aboveFor as long as I shall liveI will testify to love~Wynnona Judd "Testify to Love"~

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the father is not in him. For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-is not of the father but is of the world. ~ 1 John 2:15-16

God has been showing me lately how many things in life can easily distract us from Him. Although those things might not be considered "evil", it is also important to consider whether it brings us closer to God or not. Does it glorify Him? Are we keeping our eyes fixed on the One who truly matters, or are our minds constantly reflecting on the things of this world? The truth is, many of us become so incredibly desensitized by the world that we fail to see the worldly things that consume us from day to day. Trust in God and never be afraid to give up anything for His sake. Remember that whoever trusts in Him will never be put to shame. :)

Friday, August 21, 2009

Isn't it amazing to think that this is how God feels about us? You are His bride and He absolutely adores you and loves you more than you can ever fathom... and He always has! Everytime you worship Him and love Him back imagine how great His delight is! He desires, more than anything else, for you to draw near to Him and give Him all your love.

Verse of the Month: September

To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.